Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Latest data ‘not released until Defra announced 60,000 animals would be killed in 2019’
Tuberculosis levels in cattle have risen in the original two areas of the country where the badger cull has been piloted over the past five years, raising questions about the merit of expanding the scheme.
The figures are confirmed in official data quietly released last week as the government announced plans to expand the controversial cull in England, which campaigners say could see more than 60,000 badgers killed this year.
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Environmental organizations say ‘very concerning’ move could open floodgates for importing other endangered species
The Trump administration has authorized a Florida man to bring back the “skin, skull, teeth and claws” of a lion he hunted in Tanzania, granting the first permit to import a lion from that country since the species gained protection under the US Endangered Species Act.
Environmental organizations say the move could open the floodgates for importing other endangered species like lions and rhinos. A freedom of information request made public by the US Fish and Wildlife Services also revealed that the hunter, Carl Atkinson, was represented by lawyer John Jackson III, who is also a member of the Trump administration’s International Wildlife Conservation Council, a controversial advisory board that promotes trophy hunting.
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WaterNSW warns without significant rain, Macquarie River will run dry, wiping out supply to Dubbo, Cobar, Nyngan and Narromine
Parts of regional New South Wales could run out of water as early as November with data showing the worst-case scenario for the state if there’s no rain or government intervention.
The projections from NSW’s river operator and bulk water supplier WaterNSW show without significant rain the first towns to lose water supply will be Dubbo, Cobar, Nyngan and Narromine with the Macquarie River forecast to run dry by November.
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Firefighters use cooler conditions to backburn before danger set to pick up in coming days
Firefighters in New South Wales are taking advantage of cooler conditions to undertake backburning operations, with hotter and windier conditions expected next week.
Fire conditions eased again over the weekend in northern NSW, where residents had been told it was too late to leave after a bushfire jumped a highway.
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Group said that Roger Hallam had been apprehended for the second time in three days
One of Extinction Rebellion’s co-founders has been arrested for the second time in three days after trying to fly a drone near Heathrow Airport during an environmental protest, the group said.
Roger Hallam was detained on Saturday while attempting to disrupt flights at Britain’s busiest airport with the device.
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Bird apprehended after brief chase on US 99 near Fresno
Officers unsure if escapee came from farm or moving vehicle
Authorities in California captured an emu which led officers on a chase down a highway.
The Fresno Bee reported on Friday that the bird was apprehended following a brief pursuit by officers with the California highway patrol.
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The climate protesters had promised to shut down the Princes Bridge near Flinders Street station from midday
Climate protesters have blockaded a bridge in central Melbourne with police moving in and arresting multiple people.
Organisers from the Extinction Rebellion movement promised to shut down the Princes Bridge near Flinders Street station from midday.
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Proposed legislation in California would commit to 75% reduction in plastic waste by 2030, and phase out most single-use packaging
The most ambitious US legislation to tackle the scourge of plastic pollution choking up oceans and piling up in landfills could pass in California Friday – or end up in the dustbin of history. Lawmakers are likely to vote on proposals that aim to phase out most single-use plastic packaging within the next decade.
The two identical bills – one introduced in the state assembly and one in the senate – commit to a 75% reduction in plastic statewide within 10 years. If passed into law, they would require manufacturers to ensure that all single-use packaging produced, sold and distributed in California is fully recyclable or compostable by 2030. Companies that fail to comply could face up to $50,000 a day in fines.
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Young activists rallied in protest of inadequate government action on the climate crisis, chanting: ‘Protect our future’
Thunberg joins young activists in climate protest – live updates
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg – who has inspired young people around the world to strike in protest of inadequate government action on the crisis – accompanied her American counterparts in the youth climate movement at a rally near Donald Trump’s White House on Friday.
Thunberg quietly joined near the edge of the group, whispering along with chants and shaking her head when thanked by other advocates.
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Protesters to hold fashion funeral in demand for industry to take climate crisis seriously
Not long ago, high drama at London fashion week meant a battle over hemlines or between designer egos. But as the climate crisis challenges fashion’s fundamental viability as an industry, the stakes, and tempers, have been raised.
Hours before the first catwalk show of the five-day run, the climate campaign group Extinction Rebellion staged a “die-in” outside the central London venue, throwing buckets of fake blood to symbolise how “business as usual” for fashion and other industries is leading toward the extinction of life on earth. The group is calling for the industry to be “cancelled” and is planning continued disruption to fashion week, culminating in a “funeral procession for fashion” to be staged on Tuesday evening.
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